Breast MRI or not

[Frustr8ed]

I'm quite fibrocystic and every yearly mammo is followed up with an ultrasound.  This year the radiologist was concerned that the ultrasound isn't showing everything due to the large amounts of cysts and the density of the right breast.  She recommended that I should have a breast MRI next year.  My gyne said that the report shows 2 areas of concern and that the radiologist recommends an MRI this year.  He also said that an MRI will show a lot of stuff that might freak me out but could also show something that needs to be taken care of.   Having had several aspirations and one lumpectomy, I don't easily freak out.  I get the feeling that whatever they do find will end up with a trip to the surgeon regardless of what they find.  Will they want to explore all those cysts? I'm a bit confused, if there are areas of concern, why wouldn't the radiologist just say she recommended an MRI this year?  Should I go for the MRI or be satisfied that the ultrasound didn't show anything suspicous (according to the report that I received)?  Should I try to talk to the radiologist to find out what is really going on? There is no family history of cancer other than prostate.

[Frustr8ed]

Thanks for the reply RN-JS!

Good advice japdip!  I'll call tomorrow and ask for a copy of the report that they sent to the doc, and not the one they sent to me.  I failed to mention that I received a report but it was different than the one that my gyne received.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Frustr8ed,   MRI’s do have a high incidence of false positive results, however, they may also be able to give additional information to your situation.  You may want to clarify with the radiologist regarding the time recommendation of the follow up MRI.  

[japdip]

Well, where did you have the films done? You can obtain a copy of the report at that location ... no need to deal with anyone except the main desk of the Radiology department. You will probably have to show some form of identification and sign a paper that "you are you" BUT you ARE entitled to a copy of any and all of your medical records. Keep on "squeaking" you'll eventually "get the grease" ... :) Good hunting.

[Frustr8ed]

Thanks for replying japdip!  I tried to talk to the radiologist today.  They told me that I to get the report from my doc, I told them about the discrepancy and they said 'she's reading films right now, she can't take phone calls", when I pressed a little harder they said that she wasn't in that office today - ugh! they told me that I had to talk to my doc and he could talk to her.

[japdip]

It is my understanding that the MRI does tend to show false positives but when used in certain circumstances and in conjunction with mammo and sono, it is a valuable diagnostic tool. Since you were told two different things (this year or next year) why don't you request a copy of the report and read it for yourself.It wouldn't hurt to talk with the Radiologist if you still have doubts.